PIP Process - Who to Complain To?

Reported.

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I had the same situation last week with a client. Changed my day off to support a client at PIP assessment, they had taken a day off work also. Assessment was cancelled 30 minutes before the assessment time. Client had been up all night feeling anxious about the assessment. it really isn't good enough.

lemsip

nothing will ever change while people do not bother to complain.

I agree Lemsip. That isxwhy nothing changes. When I am dissatisfied I complain to my MP and cc it (not separate emails, important to cc it) to my MLA relevant department Patient Care Council and anyone else I can think of. It works.

Is it the assessment company ATos or whoever you wish to complain about or the DWP? Different systems.
If you are not sure, you could write to your MP. But I still think you should wait till you have had the assessment. You could have more to add to your complaint.
A relative of mine with severe Mental Health problems was totally freaked out during her assessment in a centre when the process was interrupted by another claimant being ushered into the room to access the only toilet in the building. Totally unacceptable.

nothing will ever change while people do not bother to complain.

write/email your MP at House of Commons London asking for an appointment locally.. They all have local 'surgeries'

Just my opinion, but whilst I understand how stressful and frustrating the process is, a complaint probably won’t achieve anything. The system is not fit for purpose.

The assessment is a step in the process.
If it is a phone call, make sure you record it, and/ you are there as a witness. Ask for a copy of the report about a week after, or as soon as you get the decision, especially if you are not happy with it.
Don’t be surprised if the report seems like it is talking about someone else.
Happy to advise further when you get a decision. If you want to challenge it, you have a month from the date of the decision., not from when the letter arrives. Get help to challenge it ( Mandatory Reconsideration ).

They do assessments at home, by video or telephone or at the assessment centre. I wouldn't complain yet! Hold fast until after the assessment ! The centres observe you coming in, the home assessors note everything about your home or how tidy it is etc. They all observe your mental state eg distressed from pain & appearance. They will try to trip you up ie do you walk a dog, go to the hairdressers, how far is your car from your house? They jump around the descriptors and try to confuse you by asking the same questions in different ways. The nicer they seem usually the meaner they are! I was actually awarded PIP. There are lots of FB groups that can help. Good luck.

I had a home visit for mine , it was pre covid. It took me a couple of attempts before I actually got awarded pip. The thing that helped me , besides all my letters from my rheumatologist, was a letter from my occupational therapist, could he request a home visit or don't they do those anymore

cannycat just bumped up PIP tribunal hopefully what I went through will help . Plenty of advice from others there.

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/complaints-procedure#guidance-on-how-to-complain

I agree with Theexwife - and I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of them at the outset. They have the ability to be very awkward,

I doubt complaining will make any difference, if no one is available then what can be done? There are staff shortages everywhere, the delay will not make much difference as if it PIP is granted it will be back dated and if it is denied then nothing has been lost.